BLESSED ROTHO DE BÜREN, BISHOP OF PADERBORN - 6 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 6th of November

BLESSED ROTHO DE BÜREN, BISHOP OF PADERBORN 

From the ancient family of the barons of Büren, Blessed Rotho de Büren, also called Rothardus or Rudolf, became bishop of Paderborn (Paderae fontes).

He initially devoted himself to monastic life in the monastery of Stablo (Stabuletum), which at that time was led by St Poppo (later abbot of Trier). On the initiative of Poppo, Rotho was appointed head of the Hersfeld Abbey in Hesse (Germany) in order to restore monastic discipline there since this had deteriorated severely over time.

For how long he remained there is unknown. We do know, however (from the life of St Himeradus), that Rotho presided over the monastery with so much wisdom and moral purity that all the brothers revered him as their most loving father.

When, in 1036, the blessed Bishop Meinwerk of Paderborn died, Rotho was appointed to the Episcopal Chair by Emperor Conrad II. As bishop he kept the monastic way of life, and only got involved in worldly business when it was absolutely necessary. His time belonged entirely and exclusively to spiritual pursuits. 

He inaugurated the church in Horhausen (built in 1042 by Abbot Wolfgang II von Addinghossen). A spring near the cathedral church, which is still called Rotherbrunn [Rotho's Well] today, received healing powers for various diseases through Rotho's episcopal blessing. 

After having administered his bishopric for 16 years in a most saintly manner, Rotho entered eternal life on November 6 (according to the oldest menologium on November 7), 1052. 

Initially, his mortal remains were interred in the nave of the cathedral built by Bishop Meinwerk. Upon his sanctity having become more widely known, they were transferred to a more prominent location on the right side of the wall, where you can still see his tomb decorated with various images. Rays emanate from the head of our Saint, which is resting on a cushion, as is customary in holy paintings. (Strunk, Westph.)

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of the blessed Rotho may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.